IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Finishes Performances at Glendale Centre Theatre, 1/28

A celebration of 65 years as the oldest, continuously operating theatre in the United States, the Glendale Centre Theatre (GCT) couldn't have better kicked its 2012 season into high gear than by mounting Philip Van Doren Stern's adaptation of the Frank Capra classic motion picture It's a Wonderful Life… a beautiful testament to ordinary people who, through the course of doing what they think is right, become everyday heroes who touch the lives of the friends, family, and neighbors around them. Director Diedra Celeste Miranda and producers Brenda and Tim Dietlein have faithfully and lovingly brought this classic piece of celluloid to life on their intimate, but sizeable in-the-square stage surrounded by nearly 400 seats.

Ms. Miranda's skillfully keen ability to extract touching and poignant performances from her top notch company of actors, in the simplest, yet almost abstract of settings created by Tim Dietlein (heightened by his also moody and effective lighting plot), and complimented by Nathan J. Milisavljevich's gorgeous sound design, has evoked laughter and tears from (largely) capacity audiences who, for a month of performances, have been willfully swept away by this heartwarming, beautifully directed and produced dramedy which has been banking lucrative box office business.

It's a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey, a dreamer and would-be adventurer who never quite makes it out of his hometown, Bedford Falls. He constantly acts as the unsung hero, who saves his younger brother from drowning as a youth, saves a druggist from making a fatal error, marries the girl next door, steps in to take over his late father's Building and Loan business, and in the course of everyday life becomes a friend to most of the town's people. When faced with a dilemma that could mean ultimate ruin, George contemplates ending his life, but through the intercession of an angel named Clarence, George eventually sees that his life is too precious to be thrown away, despite his desperate circumstances. When George returns home, he finds that his lifetime of good works was not in vain, as all of his friends, family, neighbors and business associates come to his aid. The story is filled with the everyday reality of a simple life and also with elements of fantasy, with the supernatural agent, Clarence showing George what life in Bedford Falls would have been like, had he not been born. It is full of archetypal characters – the hero; the fair maiden (Mary Hatch Baily) and the villain/ogre, (Henry S. Potter). It is truly an American fairy tale.

One of the most magnetic and engaging actors you're likely to see on any stage, anytime, anywhere, is Jordan Monsell who effortlessly earns his star as George Bailey and has all the everyday, geez-Louise, aw-shucks likeability of Jimmy Stewart, who starred in the film. Monsell's George is full of humble uncertainty, yet filled with a quiet strength. The actor's innate sensibilities make Bailey infinitely interesting… which, off stage, most likely apply to Monsell himself. Ashley Sullivan shines in her portrayal of Mary Hatch Bailey. Her subtle and intelligent performance is the type of perfect casting for which one can only hope. Sullvian's Mary is also an unsung hero of the story, the wife who supports George in all of his endeavors and who serves as his quiet inspiration for a simple life.

Notable performances from the 19 member cast include Glendale favorite… the always witty, charming and ingratiating Danny Michaels for his heavenly portrayal of Clarence, Patsy Ferguson's just right, motherly take on Ma Baily, Tommy Kearney's tasty choice with the characterization of Sam Wainwright, Richard Large's capable delivery of Henry S. Potter, a delightful Dana Pollak as the somewhat loose (but fun-loving) Violet Peterson, Kate Landro's impatiently neurotic Mrs. Hatch, and Melissa Strauss' (Miss Andrews/Potter's secretary) and her haunting "a capella" solo of Amazing Grace. Costumes by Angela Wood and Glendale Costumes were aptly right and well executed for the period. Caitlan Barbieri's stage management was smooth, if not seamless.

The GCT's "…Wonderful Life" is indeed a wonderfully enjoyable and thoroughly entertaining show; a timeless story full of ideals and hope for the future. It's a Wonderful Life has its final performances January 27 at 8pm, and January 28 at 3:00 and 8:00 pm. The Glendale Centre Theatre is located at 324 North Orange Avenue in Glendale, CA. 91203. Tickets may be purchased online at www.glendalecentretheatre.com, or by calling (818) 244-8481. Coming next to the Glendale Centre Theatre, the universally loved Fiddler on the Roof February 9 through March 24.